Lost my Chessie recently, very similar. He had been living at my son's since we moved down here, well taken care of (son is a former military working dog handler), grandson was working him regularly (and getting to be a pretty good handler). Son came home from work one day and dog was dead in his kennel. Just 9 years old. Good, solid working dog, never any problems.
Currently, one of our little housedogs (papillions) is on his last legs....congestive heart problems. Good days and bad days. Never wanted to get sentimental about a dog, but this guy...
